Description
A delicious homemade Chicken Caesar Salad featuring crisp romaine, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Croutons:
- 3 cups cubed French or sourdough bread
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano in a mixing bowl.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and crisp. Let cool.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Caesar Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with half of the Caesar dressing.
- Add sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle the remaining dressing on top.
- Sprinkle with bacon bits (if using) and toss lightly before serving.
Notes
- Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Seafood Twist: Use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for crispy chickpeas or roasted tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the dressing or chili flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: salad , main course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: American,italian
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Salad, Homemade Croutons, Caesar Dressing, Grilled Chicken, Easy Salad Recipe